Tom and Michelle flew into Long Beach airport. Natalie was with us as we picked them up. We had a quick hamburger at In and Out, then drove to Long beach for a walk. Gavin came from work and joined us. It was very cold, but so pretty.
Michelle and Natalie in the usual funny face contest as we take pictures. I always hope they would just smile but they love to shock us with the tongue out or food showing.
It is about time for the sun to set on the ocean. We wanted to get a picture together with the Queen Mary in the background.
After walking on the beach and pier, we went to Bubba Gumps Shrimp. We had fun eating outside with a heater behind us. It was so much fun laughing and talking with each other.
It is always fun getting together.
After our great shrimp dinner, we walked along a path, through a park to a beautiful light house. The Queen Mary is in the background. It was so beautiful and peaceful, although, it was so cold. We really wanted it to be warm when Michelle and Tom were here. We did not have control of the weather.
Mike posed as Natalie laid on her back to get the picture. The lighthouse was so tall and such a brilliant color. It was fun walking around the park with Tom, Michelle, Gavin and Natalie. Mike and I are always very proud parents. Guess you never outgrow that.
Tom and Michelle stayed with Gavin and Natalie. The next morning we drove to downtown Los Angeles, and walked around the markets. We were just a few blocks from the Staple Center and L.A. Live. We had eaten at Subway before getting to Los Angeles, but a vender had these fabulous looking hotdogs. So we ordered some that were doctored up with all sorts of spicy, hot ingredients. Each of the guys tried to see who could eat the hottest and the juciest hotdog.
They each grabbed a pick-me-up in a coke. Mike already had enjoyed his Rockstar, so he was already flying high. Yes, those Rockstars are becoming his daily diet. Mike is getting Natalie hooked on them. When we were home it was fun to see my brothers, Rick, Rob and Klint using them also. Guess we all just need an afternoon break.
This is "Pinkberry", one of Gavins favorite treat spots in the downtown area. They came here many times while they lived here during their summer internships. They have yogurt topped with yummy fruit and toppings. What a treat for us.
We waited for Gavin to shuttle us back and forth from shopping, to the Pinkberry and to the Staple Center. Natalie, Mike and I went to Little Tokyo. It definitely felt like we had stepped into Japan. It was very unique as we walked around to see the items in the stores. Many of them we had already purchased in Tokyo while we were there with David. We had left our car parked at the Staple Center, and used Gavin's to get us back and forth. But six did not fit, so had to do shuttles. We loved the time to just walk around. Michelle and Tom had to walk the most but were able to see the sights and the sunset around the tall buildings.
Mike and I posed for Natalie. She is always there taking pictures of us. It is like taking our own photographer with us. Thanks Natalie. This is just on the edge of Little Tokyo.
We are just getting to the Staple Center for the game with the Clippers vs. Bobcats of North Carolina. Wow, this was so huge. So much different than being in the bleachers watching David play. Although, I watched his game much closer than I watched this one. A few weeks earlier Mike had been with Melissa and her boys watching a Jazz game.
Mike had accidently brought his knife with him. They have screening just about like they do at the airport. He handed it to me and asked me to hide it for him. Yeah Mike, sure. Well, we had to make a fast trip back to the car. This wasn't the first time having to take his knife back to the car. It happened at the Jazz game and Disneyland. Don't know why he couldn't take his knife into those areas. What is this world coming to.
Great picture of Tom and Michelle. We had great seats. We could see so much from where we were sitting. We were really tired, because we had been shopping also that day. Don't think I had ever walked so far. " Where is another Rockstar, Mike."
After the game, people all gathered outside to hear the famous Clipper Drummers. They performed during half-time, along with the cheerleaders. They were not much to look at though. Ha ha. But the drummers were great. It was late, but hated to call it a day and go home. Just love to crowd in all we can with the family. Great place to be with someone you love.
This has been such a great trip with Michelle and Tom. Natalie filled our day with so many activities. They went to Disneyland the next day, so I don't know if they took any pictures, but we took a lot when they were with us. Thanks for coming to see the rest of the family here in California. Loved having you. We took them back to the airport on Monday. Then Mike and I thought we would just go to Disneyland as long as we were so close. So much fun being able to be so close to the fun sights here. But just a lot of driving, no matter where you are.
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